//------------------------------// // Chapter 19: Third Breath // Story: Smoldering It Over // by Turtlehaus //------------------------------// I thought we had a month before my father was capable of being a viable threat, believing that we had the element of surprise. No sooner had I told every pony who I really was, what my father was planning to do, did we move against him and attempt to thwart his return. In the end, I was still too late. For now, our father had returned, and my plan had failed before it had even begun. My mind raced for ideas on what to do next, but all I could think of was making sure my friends were safe. Stepping away from Pyre, I resolved myself to go through with my new plan; protect my friends. "Pyre, stay with Wick, and find a place to hide." I said heading towards the corridor. "Where are you going?" Pyre questioned me. "Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and a lot of my friends are out there. I have to make sure they're safe." I stated; not slowing down. "If your friends have any sense at all, they will flee before the Mad King!" Pyre called out to me. His voice echoed through the corridor, slowing me to a stop. "Father will uncover your scheme, Smolder. It is you who should be hiding." Pyre warned. "During my time in Ponyville, I've learned that friends help each other. That friends do not need to be paid or convinced to help a pony in need. That is why they are here, Pyre. I will not leave them to face our troubles alone!" I called back to him. I wasn't sure if Pyre called out to me again; I took off before another word was spoken between us. Racing down the staircase towards the exit, I did my best to steel myself for the coming confrontation with my father. The creeping ash cloud etched its way across the sky, the volcanic gases spewing from the cracks from the volcano. The ashen cloud covered the Ashen Fields in shadow; pronouncing the Mad King's presence vividly for every pony to see by his wild flames. "Tell me," The Mad King began pivoting his head from side to side. "Is this a good look for me?" Princess Celestia placed herself in front of every pony, spreading out her wings to shield them. Yet, no pony replied to the Mad King's question. "You can be honest with me, I can take it." The Mad King reassured them. "I still see the same cruel and mad King I had banished all those years ago." Princess Celestia replied coldly. "Well, that's disappointing." The Mad King muttered. The Mad King's mane flared so violently that it caused the volcano to spew lava high into the air behind him; the ground quaking underhoof. His burning red eyes stared menacingly at Princess Celestia. A smile broke across his face, it quickly vanished and returned. "I was expecting more of a turn out. " The Mad King said snapping his head towards Princess Luna. "To be greeted by Celestia and her misguided pets is underwhelming to say the least." "Pets?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in annoyance. "Perhaps vermin is a more appropriate word to describe your ilk." The Mad King corrected himself stretching out his neck. "Come on, Twilight! Let's blast this guy into next week!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed shaking Twilight by the shoulders. "By all means, blast away." The Mad King replied rolling his shoulders. The Mad King's response unnerved every pony; his lack of fear for the Elements of Harmony was clear from his horrid grin. "What should we do, Princess Celestia?" Twilight asked quietly. "He doesn't seem worried about the Elements of Harmony." "Something is wrong." Princess Celestia whispered to every pony. "What do you mean, sister?" Princess Luna asked in a hushed voice. "He's changed. He's different somehow." Princess Celestia replied looking worried. "Is it that why he looks like the barns on fire?" Applejack asked sarcastically. "When I sealed him away all those years ago, the Mad King still looked… normal. I'm not sure what has happened to him, but he has become less of a pony since then." Princess Celestia whispered, trying to determine the extent of Scorch's power. "Could it have something to do with the mirror?" Princess Luna asked curiously. "It may, but every pony be on your guard. I fear that he may be hiding something, or worse." Princess Celestia warned. "Always scheming aren't we, Celestia? You haven't changed at all." The Mad King quipped. "You've changed quite a bit. If I recall, it was your ideals that were out of control, not your fire." Princess Celestia replied. "Like it? The Void offers little in terms of comfort. It takes and takes from you until there is nothing left, but an empty shell of the pony you once were." The Mad King said looking himself over. "You've become an abomination!" Princess Luna said aloud with every pony agreeing. "Quite." The Mad King agreed bobbing his head. Every pony stood at the ready, the Mad King did not seem threatened at the sight of the Elements of Harmony nor the presence of Princess Celestia or Princess Luna. His smile came and went with such repetition that it almost seemed to be in business for itself. "Let's begin." The Mad King announced. Within an instant an explosion of light emitted for the Mad King's horn tearing up the ground around him and sending large pieces of earth into the air. The force of his magic barreled towards every pony, Princess Celestia was quick on the draw and produced a shield to protect them. "Twilight! Have every pony retreat to the castle! I will try to weaken the Mad King to allow you a chance to use the Elements of Harmony!" Princess Celestia declared struggling to keep the large shield from wavering. "We're not going anywhere!" Rainbow Dash declared. "That's right! We're not going anywhere, no matter how terrifying he is." Fluttershy agreed nervously. "Luna, get them to safety!" Princess Celestia commanded. Without hesitation Princess Luna's horn flashed brilliantly before she and every pony disappeared from sight; leaving Princess Celestia alone to face the Mad King. The attack of the Mad King's subsided, large bits of earth fell back to the ground around them and Princess Celestia stood tall; unfazed by his attack. "Were there not more ponies with you a moment ago?" The Mad King asked curiously looking around her. "This ends today." Princess Celestia declared confidently. The crackling and roar of the volcano echoed across the Ashen Fields. The Mad King swayed on the spot, unblinking with his fixed stare on Princess Celestia and she too returned that gaze. The Mad King's mouth cracked open, the sounds of gravel grinding against rocks echoed from deep within his body. Princess Celestia's horn flashed a brilliant white light surrounding her in a bubble of magic once more. The Mad King spread out his wings, flames flaring wildly into the air. Princess Luna, Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Spike reappeared within Castle Char in a flash of blue light. Every pony looked around confused at their surroundings before realizing what Princess Luna had done. "Stay within the Castle until we have need of the Elements of Harmony." Princess Luna declared to every pony. "You can't expect us just to sit here! We want to help." Rarity said aloud in protest. "Rarity's right, we're all in this together." Applejack insisted. "My sister will not risk harm coming to any of you ponies, I will assist my sister in weakening the Mad King and at that time you will use the Elements of Harmony to return him to the Void." Princess Luna explained. "Fools." A voice declared aloud from the steps leading up to the throne room. Pyre was assisting an unsteady Wick down the steps. Wick seemed rather annoyed at the group of ponies that stood before them, while Pyre hissed at him to remain silent. "No pony can stop the Mad King from covering all of Equestria in fire. You would be wise to run while you still have the chance." Wick spoke out once more. "Brother dear, if you have the energy to speak then you should have the energy to carry yourself." Pyre hissed continuing to help Wick down the steps. "Twin Flame Ponies?" Twilight asked surprised. "They must be Smolder's older brothers!" Spike declared tapping his fist onto his palm. "You must be the ponies Smolder spoke of." Pyre said reaching the landing of the staircase. "So what if we are?" Rainbow Dash asked crossing her hooves. "I was expecting an army." Pyre murmured helping Wick off the last step. "Where is Sparky?" Pinkie Pie asked. "Who?" The Twins asked together looking confused. "She's talking about Smolder. Your younger brother." Rarity clarified for them. "The traitor?" Wick spat in disgust. "He's not a traitor!" Spike exclaimed stepping forward only to have Rarity hold him back. "Our little brother returned under the guise of wanting to help father, and then attacked us his elder ponies. He's gone against the crown as well as his own family. The runt is a traitor." Wick said angrily. Pyre did not speak. Remaining silent while Wick and Spike argued. Princess Luna took notice of Pyre's hesitation to remark Smolder as a traitor. "Pyre, was it?" Princess Luna asked curiously. "Whom may I ask are you?" Pyre replied cautiously. "I am Princess Luna, younger sister to Princess Celestia." Princess Luna answered. "I had no idea Princess Luna had a sister." Wick mumbled to Pyre. "Neither did I." Pyre replied. "You do not believe Smolder is a traitor, do you?" Princess Luna asked. "Of course he does." Wick spoke up. Wick looked to Pyre for confirmation. Pyre did not look back; he stared at the ground not making eye contact with any pony. "Brother?" Wick asked in surprise. "Smolder, had the chance to harm us both further when you blacked out. He stayed his anger, a feat our father would not have attempted to reach. He may not be loyal to our father, brother dear, but he has shown loyalty to us. Going as far as to declare us the new rulers of the Ashen Fields after our father's... defeat." Pyre explained. Wick gave a look of uncertainty to his brother. Opening his mouth to speak a few times, but not finding the words to express what he was feeling. Pyre looked up towards every pony. "Tell Smolder, we're sorry but… we're leaving." Pyre said solemnly. "Runaway?" Wick asked in disbelief. "Father will not be happy that we have allowed these ponies to enter the Ashen Fields unopposed. Even more so we have been beaten in battle by Smolder himself. He will not show us mercy." Pyre explained again. "So you're just going to run away?" Fluttershy asked in shock. "You would be wise to do the same. Unless you wish to feel the wrath of the Mad King." Pyre warned. "I can't believe Smolder risked everything for the two of you." Rarity said in utter disappointment. "Risked what?" Wick asked. "He had gained the trust of every pony here, as well as Princess Celestia, and was surely going to convince the Summit of helping these poor Flame Ponies. Keeping your secret, of helping that awful Mad King from all of us, in fear that the two of you would be harmed if he told any pony. I can't begin to understand why Smolder even concerns himself with two brutes that never show him an ounce of respect or love." Rarity scolded them. "Yeah! Especially now when he needs you the most you just go and bail on him." Rainbow Dash piled on. "You have no idea what we've done for that… runt." Wick said bitterly. "Well, you have no idea what that little Flame Pony went through." Discord said popping into view in front of every pony. "Discord!" Fluttershy exclaimed softly. "Fluttershy! I am so glad you're not a pile of ash!" Discord said lifting her up and embracing her. "What in Equestria is that?" Pyre asked in disgust. "Yet another Flame Pony that doesn't know who I am." Discord said disappointingly placing Fluttershy back down. "Discord, shouldn't you be helping Princess Celestia?" Princess Luna asked urgently. "I fear that might be unwise, Princess Luna. I made a startling discovery when I witnessed the mirror in the volcano." Discord said looking rather serious. "What did you see, Discord?" Fluttershy asked curiously. "I'm not sure how he was able to do it, but the Mad King is all but impervious to my magic." Discord said bitterly snapping his claws and producing a couch to throw himself upon. "Explain!" Princess Luna asked urgently. "All I can gather is that while in the Void the Mad King was not only absorbing the strength of these Flame Ponies, but essence of the Void as well. He is literally consuming everything around him and using it to empower him. If I were to use my magic against him I would only make him stronger." Discord said making the couch disappear and pulling up a chalkboard with intense math equations scribbled about. "What about the Elements of Harmony?" Applejack asked. "By all accounts the Mad King will simply absorb the Element's power and be no worse for wear." Discord explained taking a piece of chalk and drawing crude drawing of the mane six with frowns. "So we're powerless to stop him?" Twilight asked in disbelief. "Not quite, I believe Princess Celestia has already realized this, but the Void's effects is only as powerful as he is. Weakening him will allow you to overpower the Mad King and have him be sucked back into the Void." Discord continued drawing a very mad looking Flame Pony. "So we just sit here and wait?" Rainbow Dash asked displeased. "It would be the wisest course of action for you ponies to take." Discord replied snapping his claws making the chalk board disappear. "Then it is clear what we must do, I will go and assist my sister. Discord will remain here to protect you ponies." Princess Luna declared. "What about the Twins?" Spike asked. To every ponies surprise the Twins were nowhere to be seen, having slipped away during Discord's explanation. "Those rotten cowards!" Rainbow Dash shouted zooming around the hall trying to find them. "Let them go Rainbow Dash, it didn't seem like they were going to help us anyways." Twilight said disappointingly. "They should be helping Smolder." Fluttershy said softly. "But where is Sparky?" Pinkie Pie asked curiously. I had just barely exited the main doors of Castle Char before nearly plowing into Wingston head on. Tripping over my hooves trying to avoid him, Wingston merely stepped aside and watched me face plant into the dirt. "Where are you going?" Wingston asked curiously. "To confront my father." I said pulling my face from the dirt. Wingston's staff knocked me on the head a few times in his disapproval. "That is madness, Smolder! He will destroy you!" Wingston scolded me. "I will not allow the others to face him alone." I said only to have Wingston hit me again with his staff. "They are here for that exact reason, Smolder! You trusted them to send your father back into the Void!" Wingston shouted. "If my father was still trapped in that mirror! The plan has changed Wingston and I will not abandon them to just run off and hide!" I snapped back. "There are more pressing matters to attend to!" Wingston said pointing towards the mountain range to the east. "What are you talking about?" I asked confused. "The volcano has caused a series of quakes that shook the very foundations of the Ashen Fields. Your Flame Ponies have taken refuge in those old tunnels for safety, but I fear that it has now become a tomb for them or worse." Wingston explained. Wingston was right, the tunnels were dangerous enough on their own, being disused for some many years. With the eruption of the volcano it would have surely caved in and trapped and injured many of our Flame Ponies. Wingston and I alone would not be able to reach them quickly. I would need help from our friends. "Only Princess Celestia and Princess Luna can reach them in time." I stated. "You are not going anywhere near your father, Smolder." Wingston warned pointing his staff at me. "There is no other choice, Wingston. I may be able to stall him long enough for Princess Celestia and Princess Luna to save our Flame Ponies." I replied. "I won't allow it." Wingston said stepping in front of me. "Wick and Pyre are inside and could use your help." I said stepping around him. "You're not leaving, Smolder!" Wingston shouted holding his staff up to my face. I looked down at Wingston, for the first in my life I saw fear in his eyes. I could see the pain of my choices lingering with him. "I'm sorry, Wingston." I said flaring my mane. Wingston staggered back in surprise, my flames surrounded me putting me into the Flash Step. I bolted from the spot, racing around the castle towards the fields where the battle was surely taking place. Wingston stood watching the trail of fire I had left in my wake. He shook his head slowly before entering Castle Char. Wave after wave of fire crashed down around Princess Celestia, her magic keeping the fire at bay, but the Mad King did not let up his onslaught. After a few more barrages the Mad King stayed his fire to taunt her. "Princess Celestia!" The Mad King exclaimed. Flames spewing from his mouth as he spoke. "Welcome to the Ashen Fields!" The Mad King cried as the flames upon his mane flared out in a roar. A sudden blast of white light struck the Mad King, knocking him off his hooves and throwing him across the Ashen Fields. The Mad King quickly rebounded to his hooves only to have the earth shoot up out of the ground striking the Mad King in the face and sending him reeling back. Magical white chains came snaking up from the ground beneath the Mad King, wrapping around him tightly, and immobilizing him on the spot. "You are going back into the Void, Scorch!" Princess Celestia declared. Her horn shining brightly, more magical chains shot up from the ground and latching onto the Mad King. The magical chains attempted to pull the Mad King to his knees, the ground beneath his hooves began to break under the strain. The Mad King refusing to bend even a little to Princess Celestia. "I am the King!" The Mad King cried. With a roar the Mad King's fire exploded from his body, breaking Princess Celestia's magical chains, and throwing her off balance. A blast of magic erupted from the Mad King's horn, striking Princess Celestia square in the chest and knocking her to the ground. There was no hesitation from the Mad King, rearing back his head he let go a torrent of fire at Princess Celestia. The impact of the blast sent the fire fanning out over her, causing the ground to boil around her. The Mad King looked on with a smile. It slowly started to fade with the fire that was surrounding Princess Celestia. I had stood in the path of my father's fire;breathing heavily from the force of his attack. It had taken every ounce of strength I had to match the intensity of his fire and stop it from reaching Princess Celestia. Our eyes locked for a moment; my father did not seem happy to see me. "Smolder?" Princess Celestia asked in surprise quickly getting to her hooves. "Princess Celestia, the volcano has caused cave-ins throughout the surrounding mining tunnels of the Ashen Fields. The Flame Ponies hiding there are sure to be trapped, if not crushed, if they are not helped immediately." I stated with shortness of breath. "I am not leaving you, Smolder." Princess Celestia replied sternly. "I can handle this." I said glancing over my shoulder. Princess Celestia stared at me. The same stare Tea had given me so many times before; she knew I was lying. I could see a sudden sadness form across her face; I felt my heart ache from this. She nodded slowly to me, understanding what I was asking her to do, before leaping into the air and flying off towards the mountain range. I watched her for a moment, silently thanking her for saving the Flame Ponies from certain doom. Looking back towards my father, I felt a rush of heat pass over me, for he now stood over me. I felt uncomfortable from the heat of his flames. He stood motionless before me, but the grinding of gravel over rock, the roar of his fire filled the air. I dared not to break eye contact with him, fearing that he would lash out at me. I peered into those burning red eyes without blinking. I think he was disgusted by my presence by that time and struck me. I slid across the ground a couple of feet away. The smoke and flames swirled around my father, taking his time to approach me; my heart was already racing in fear of him. I got to my hooves, quickly, but felt his wing strike me aside. I slid over the glassed dirt, the melted stones, feeling the steps of my father grow closer. I stood up to face my father, with each hoofstep he grew closer, he did not speak a word to me, but from his mouth only fire did spew. Leaping to the side, watching the ground boil where I once stood, the flames disappeared, and the ground hissed before turned to glass. I retaliated. With a blast of fire, I ained for his face hoping to blind him, if not slow him down, but my father struck my attack aside with his hoof as if it were a mere leaf in the wind. Once more opening his mouth, a funnel of fire exploded my way, and I took off running. He dragged the flames after me. With one large flap of his wings he fanned the flames he spewed, creating a larger area in which to reach me. Sliding to a stop, my hooves digging into the dirt and ash, I turned to face him. With his fire spiraling towards me, I spewed flames of my own to counter my father's attack. His flames quickly overcame mine, forcing its way through my own fire, and striking me with such force that it threw me several yards away. The flames of my father died down, the ground around me seared with heat as I struggled to stand. There was a sudden tremor in the earth, keeping me off balance. I turned to see that my father had leapt towards me, landing with such force he shook the earth beneath him. With his wing he took a swipe at me and effortlessly knocked me several more feet away from him. I slid to a stop. I clutched my side in pain. The ground beneath me broke open and a pillar of earth struck me into the air. Several more pillars of earth and rock sprang up from the ground, striking me continuously, until the last pillar allowed me to hit solid earth once more. "Father, I-" I barely got the words out before my father struck his hoof to the ground; effectively silencing me. "I don't want to hear it, Smolder. I really don't. You're just like your mother, you insist on talking and talking." The Mad King said tiresomely. My body ached all over. The pain was nearly blinding to me. "Please-" I whispered slowly trying to talk through my pain. "I'm sorry I didn't quite hear that." My father said leaning over me to hear me better. "Don't hurt them, please." I pleaded to him. "It. Is. Tiring. It really is, Smolder. I've tried to teach what it means to be a Flame Pony but you don't seem to listen." The Mad King said shaking his head. "Please-" I mumbled trying to lift my head. "Flame Ponies do not plead!" My father screamed into my ear. I lay shaking in fear of him. I could feel the immense heat of his breath over my ear. "What is worse is that you plead for those other ponies, not even for yourself, even though you have betrayed me. You brought them here to stop me. You have gone against the crown, your kin, and the Kingdom." My father declared raising his head. "Therefore, you are a traitor to the Kingdom of Flame Ponies, just like your mother was, and like all traitors; you must pay for your crimes." The Mad King said slowly and viciously. My mane flared angrily for a moment. Something started to rage inside me, I found the strength to get up. Lifting myself from the ground. I staggered to my hooves and stood before my father. I stared up at him once more, my gaze unwavering; as was his. "Burn." The Mad King whispered. The Mad King reared back onto his hind legs. His massive wings flapped wildly, fanning his own flames, driving his front legs into the ground, breaking the earth beneath him, and spewing an immense blast of fire towards me. The very ground boiled like lava, caking me with molten dirt, before his flames engulfed me. The flames of the Mad King bathed me entirely, the side of Castle Char even taking a beating; heating the rock to a cherry red while the ground boiled from the heat. Stepping back the Mad King looked on at the fiery inferno he unleashed. The flames danced wildly around the fields, and in the center was a rock shaped like a Flame Pony. The Mad King smiled at the sight and approached it slowly. "Immortalized forever. A testament to those who would oppose me." The Mad King said looking down at his once son Smolder. Turning his attention towards Castle Char, the Mad King spread out his fire soaked wings and soared into the air. The volcano roared, lava spewed up out of the crest, and the ash of the fields was kicked up by the current of air created from the Mad King's departure. The smoldering Flame Pony shaped rock stood silently in the Ashen Fields.